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| Focus on OHIGASHI |
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| - Try Our Japanese Snacks / Candy |
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| Seasonal Topics & Items |
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| Dear Sir and Madam, |
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| We at Hibiki-an THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your continued patronage and support.
We are pleased to offer useful information for your healthy life and continued
enjoyment of Japanese green tea. In this issue, we talk about 'Focus on OHIGASHI (Try Our Japanese Snacks / Candy)'. |
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Focus on OHIGASHI (Try Our Japanese Snacks / Candy)
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Below we introduce the recipe of Premium OHIGASHI, one of the most traditional Japanese confections. We also explain the surrounding historical issues, which will enrich your enjoyment of OHIGASHI.
- Our confectioner, Tsuboneya, mixes WASANBON premium Japanese sugar, known for its high-toned sweetness, with superfine confectionary sugar. The ratio and grade of the WASANBON sugar widely governs the quality of the OHIGASHI. Our OHIGASHI is made from only WASANBON produced in Kagawa and Tokushima prefectures in southwest Japan, which is known as the highest grade and best available. Ratio is 70 percent, which exceeds the standard for the most premium OHIGASHI.
- Natural color and a little water is added to the mixture. It is mixed well and strained in order to be fine.
- The mixture is then shaped by Japanese traditional wooden molds which are handcrafted. Each shape expresses four seasons' flowers, charming sights, and features, delicately and endearingly. Our confectioner, Tsuboneya, has a few hundred kinds of wooden molds and uses them differently each season. The wooden molds are crafted by hand using the same traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. Now just a small number of artisans have the skill to carve the wooden molds.
- At Tsuboneya, the confectioner mixes two colors. Most confectioners avoid this because it requires much time and effort.
- Finally the confection is dried and finished. Some confectioners use chemical hardeners to set the confection, but Tsuboneya does not use any hardeners or other chemicals. Their recipe and process is all natural, following Japanese traditional methods.
The recipe and wooden molds have been passed down through generations for hundreds of years. The high-toned flavor and delicate endearing shapes are the same as those enjoyed by court nobles and samurai families hundreds of years ago when sugar was quite precious. Would you enjoy the tradition with our tea at your green moment? |
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| WASANBON produced in Kagawa and Tokushima prefectures, which is known as the highest grade |
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| Brownish color sugar is WASANBON |
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| Used traditional method and tools |
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| Wooden molds crafted by hand using the same traditional methods |
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| OHIGASHI mixed two colors. It requires much time and effort. |
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| Try Our Japanese Snacks / Candy page: click here |
| Japanese Snacks / Candy shopping category: click here |
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Japanese Snacks / Candy items |
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OHIGASHI (handmade confectionary): US$23.00
OHIGASHI is one of the most traditional Japanese confectionary which is often served at Japanese tea ceremony and pairs very well with Japanese green tea. At last, we added OHIGASHI which is made at Tsuboneya, a confectioner in Kyoto well-known for their beautiful confectionary made by hand with careful attention to quality and detail...
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YOHKAN (sweet bean jelly): US$16.50
YOHKAN sweet bean jelly is one of the most popular and classic confections in Japan. We developed YOHKAN with an established AN bean jam manufacturer located in Kyoto. Our four flavors of YOHKAN are manufactured with careful attention to quality and domestic ingredients...
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OKAKI (handmade rice cracker): US$23.00
OKAKI rice cracker is one of the most popular and classic snacks in Japan. At last, we added OKAKI which is made at Fujisawa Eiseido known for creating OKAKI using a traditional manufacturing process with careful attention to quality and natural ingredients. This OKAKI is traditionally-made by hand using only natural ingredients sourced only in Japan...
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| Are you enjoying your green moments? Hibiki-an encourages those who love to drink green tea. If you have any requests or questions regarding our teas or services, please don't hesitate to contact us. We sincerely hope that you enjoy genuine Hibiki-an Japanese green tea direct to you from Kyoto, Japan. |
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| Sincerely yours, |
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| Atsushi Yasui |
Seasonal Topics & Items
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Historical background of Kuradashi Tea (Kuradashi Tea)
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In the present day, people are able to enjoy fresh Shincha tea flavor and aroma throughout the year almost the same as real Shincha, because preservation techniques and technology have made remarkable progress. In Japan, expertise and special facilities enable tea leaves to retain their freshness, so you can experience the taste and smell of newly-harvested Japanese green tea. And today, the fresh flavor and aroma can be enjoyed all over the world thanks to modern global economics, logistics, and transportation.
Long ago when these special storage facilities did not exist, people continuously tried to keep tea leaves in good condition and to deepen the flavor, but it was difficult. Inquiring minds in Kyoto, Japan developed and improved the farming and processing techniques suitable for Kuradashi Tea over many generations. The Kyoto region and Uji in particular have a very long history of green tea production. Tea trees were first planted in Uji, Kyoto around A.D. 1271, while other Japanese centers of tea production started more recently, less than 100 years ago. The farming and processing techniques, along with the tea ceremony, developed and perfected over time in Uji and the entire Kyoto region, are the longest and most highly-developed cultural traditions among all tea production centers in Japan.
We at Hibiki-an believe that Kuradashi Tea is one of life's best "slow foods" that anyone around the world can enjoy. The enriched flavor of Kuradashi Gyokuro is created by the distinctive regional traditional way, and takes time to perfect. Let's enjoy "slow life" with Kuradashi Tea. |
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| The farming and processing techniques developed and perfected over time in Uji, Kyoto |
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| Now anyone around the world can enjoy the enriched flavor of Kuradashi Tea created by the distinctive regional traditional way. |
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Kuradashi Tea is Now Available! |
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The Jidai Matsuri festival started at Kyoto city on October 15, and the
main vent parade was held on October 22.
At same time our Kuradashi Matcha which has been stored for over a year was taken out from the granary. We have arranged four limited edition Kuradashi Matcha as described below. They are limited edition of 850 packages each ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season. And Kuradashi Gyokuro and Sencha teas are still available.
Celebrate Kuradashi Teas and enjoy the remarkable enriched flavor and sweetness which can only be experienced once every year! We are certain that the fine enriched flavor and sweetness will captivate you. |
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Kuradashi Matcha |
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[Limited] Matcha Super Premium (40g/1.41oz): US$34.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
For this Kuradashi Matcha Super Premium, tea leaves just after harvest, are steamed and dried in a special fire pit. The smooth and mellow taste is uniquely brought out by the special drying process... |
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[Limited] Kuradashi Matcha Super Premium Refill (120g/4.23oz): US$85.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
This Kuradashi Matcha Super Premium Refill package is an excellent value. The price is actually discounted 17%. For this Kuradashi Matcha, tea leaves just after harvest, are steamed and dried in a special fire pit. The smooth and mellow taste is uniquely brought out by the special drying process... |
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[Limited] Kuradashi Matcha Pinnacle (30g/1.06oz): US$43.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
The traditional canopy used to shade tea plants from sunlight known as "Honzu" is unique and different from others. They are also important factors in creating the noble flavor and sweetness of the highest grade enriched Matcha... |
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[Limited] Kuradashi Matcha Pinnacle Refill (120g/4.23oz): US$128.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
This Kuradashi Matcha Premium Refill package is an excellent value. The price is actually discounted 21%. The traditional canopy used to shade tea plants from sunlight known as "Honzu" is unique and different from others. They are also important factors in creating the noble flavor and sweetness of the highest grade enriched Matcha... |
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Kuradashi Gyokuro and Sencha |
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[Limited] Kuradashi Gyokuro Super Premium (40g/1.41oz): US$24.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
Kuradashi Gyokuro is different from ordinary Gyokuro in aroma and flavor. The superb enriched and sweetened flavor and aroma lingers in the mouth for a while. The aroma is full, but not too strong. The flavor is rich and subtle. The taste is both mellow and enhanced... |
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[Limited] Kuradashi Gyokuro Premium (80g/2.82oz): US$27.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
All Gyokuro does not gain an enriched flavor but only specific kinds of Gyokuro. It depends on some factors. We have enriched this highest grade of trimmed Gyokuro for one and a half years... |
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[Limited] Kuradashi Gyokuro Pinnacle (40g/1.41oz): US$35.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
Tea leaves for this special tea grow in the Ogura area in the Uji region, which is known as one of the foremost production centers of the highest grade of enriched Gyokuro. The Ogura area was the area in where Gyokuro and Matcha were firstly grown... |
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[Limited] Kuradashi Sencha (80g/2.82oz): US$24.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
Long time ago the quality and good conditioned Sencha in Autumn season must have been similar in taste and aroma to this fine Kuradashi Sencha. And that time, only few people could enjoy the excellent flavour... |
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[New & Limited] Matcha Bowls / Accessories (Autumn and Winter) |
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We have arranged for 13 limited edition and 3 new tea ware items. The 13
limited edition items are all available only this autumn and winter season.
The new and limited edition tea ware includes Matcha Bowls and Accessories mainly from Kyo Yaki.
Some of the items are designed with modern, sophisticated style, while others use traditional handcrafted techniques for a more traditional design.
We have chosen items that are of exceptional quality yet reasonable in price. They will certainly enrich and enhance your green moment. |
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[Limited] SHISAI KAMON (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$269.00 (Now Available)
TSHISAI KAMON has not only sophisticated but unique atmosphere like nostalgic early-modern Japan. This is created by a technique called MISHIMA. Before shaped clay is dried, patterns are marked by stamp stick carved with flowers or another similar design... |
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[Limited] HIBIKI - TSUTSU GATA (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$173.00 (Now Available)
This Matcha Bowl is created only for Hibiki-an by up-and-coming artisan, Hozan Tanii. HIBIKI of this name means chime, harmony, or symphony. Hozan Tanii specially developed this glaze to evoke the rich and poignant beauty, and somewhat lonely atmosphere of autumn in Japan... |
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[Limited] KYOHSOH - GOKI (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$173.00 (Now Available)
YOHSOH of this name means coexistence, harmony, or symphony. Tall base, which is spread out at the bottom, creates an accent, a sense of tension, and delicacy, and tightens the form. The contrast of flowing glaze, rough soil, and subtle form is quite unique and exquisite... |
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[Limited] TAMA TSUBAKI (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$173.00 (Now Available)
This Matcha Bowl is graceful and dignified. Combination of the paintings and the form brings an extremely sophisticated atmosphere. The artist Yozan Ogawa has created a bold and heroic composition of the Camellia flower TSUBAKI... |
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[Limited] MUGEN MOMIJI (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$173.00 (Now Available)
This Matcha bowl is graceful and dignified. The combination of the paintings and the decoration of gold brings an extremely elegant atmosphere. The harmony and contrast of natural soil and the elegant decoration are very rare and unique... |
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[Limited] KISSHOH TSURU (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$141.00 (Now Available)
KISSHOH of this name means auspicious and TSURU means crane in Japan. Patterns regarded as auspicious motif in Japan are painted elegantly. This is a deliberate work, which has the excellent harmony and unique contrast of elegant painting and subtle atmosphere of natural clay... |
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[Limited] KOGIKU (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$88.00 (Now Available)
KOGIKU of this name is wild chrysanthemum in Japanese. Wild chrysanthemum is one of the most appreciated flowers in the Japanese tea ceremony. Considering the price and quality, this Matcha bowl is an outstanding value... |
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[Limited] KOGIKU Matcha Starter Set: US$115.00 (Now Available)
This Starter Set is the minimum set including only the essential tea ware for a perfect bowl of Matcha. And this includes KOGIKU handcrafted Matcha Bowl, painted elegantly by typical Kyo Yaki style... |
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[Limited] SABI YOHEN Matcha Starter Set: US$104.00 (Now Available)
This Starter Set is the minimum set including only the essential tea ware for a perfect bowl of Matcha. SABI YOHEN handcrafted Matcha Bowl and KUROCHIKU Bamboo Whisk create the WABI SABI atmosphere... |
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| Teapots / Cups shopping category: click here |
| Matcha Bowls / Accessories shopping category: click here |
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[Holiday Gift] Celebration Gifts in Japan
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In Japan, Japanese green tea is often presented as a gift to celebrate for following reasons. We give the gift of green tea for a good health and a long life of friends, family, or professional colleagues. It is perfect for any special or romantic occasion such as holidays, birthdays, Valentine's Day, weddings, or the purchase of a new home.
- Japanese green tea has been highly valued and treasured as a precious medicine for health and longevity since green tea was introduced to Japan in A.D. 805 by Buddhist monks.
- Beginning in A.D. 1738, Sohen Nagatani invented the Japanese green tea processing methods which are still used today to pick and prepare the leaves. Green tea has always been the most popular beverage in Japan, believed to contribute to health and well being. Today, we understand some of the reasons why green tea is so healthy. It is full of nutrients such as Catechin, Teanin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A and many others.
- Tea trees are not deciduous; they do not loose their leaves. Even after continual harvesting, the tea trees sprout patiently and energetically, especially in spring. Tea trees are very strong and resilient and live for many years. That analogy transfers directly into the tea leaf and then into your tea cup providing you and your loved ones health and long life. |
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| Japanese green tea is often presented as a gift to celebrate |
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| Tea trees are very strong and resilient and live for many years. |
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| The Japanese green tea processing methods invented by Sohen Nagatani contributed to the popularization of Japanese tea. |
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(Notice 1) New Shopping Page Design
New shopping page design was recently implemented on our website. It enables you to change the shopping page to display our products as a vertical list of item details, or as horizontal rows of product image tiles, depending on how you prefer to shop. You also can sort our products by price, grade, popularity, and so on. We hope this will make your visit to our website even more enjoyable. Would you please try it and see? |
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(Notice 2) Price Reduction on All Merchandise (Sep. 5th)
We reduced our prices approximately 5% to 10%, averagely 8.5% on all merchandise on our website due to recent exchange rate fluctuation. The updated price
was effective on and after September 5, 2014. We will continuously make
efforts to provide genuine Japanese tea and culture to our customers. |
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Account info
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